Ukrainian sumo star brings “Pokazhy svitu” to Japanese sports drink commercial
Ukrainian sumo wrestler Danylo Yavhusyshyn, known in Japan as Aonishiki Arata, has appeared in a nationwide advertising campaign for Japanese sports drink Pocari Sweat, introducing viewers to a Ukrainian phrase that sounds remarkably like the brand's name.
In the commercial, the 21-year-old wrestler wears a ceremonial blue-and-white sumo apron inspired by the drink's packaging and says “Pokazhy svitu” - Ukrainian for “Show the world.”
He explains that the phrase means showing the world what you are capable of, before pointing out its resemblance to “Pocari Sweat.”
The commercial is part of a three-video campaign launched across Japan on Nov. 5 by beverage maker Otsuka Pharmaceutical. The other clips feature Aonishiki accidentally sitting on a freshly painted bench and making traditional sumo handprints.
Born in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, Yavhusyshyn moved to Japan in 2022 after Russia's full-scale invasion. He became the second Ukrainian to enter professional sumo in Japan.
The wrestler has previously said he hopes to visit Ukraine again someday, calling it the country where he was born and raised.